Police in Augrabies have opened an inquest docket after three bodies were retrieved from the Orange River. On Sunday, 19 February the Orange River bursts its banks as a result of torrential rains and in the event four farm workers were swept by the fast-flowing river. The SAPS search and rescue team managed to retrieve three bodies between Sunday, 19 and Tuesday, 21 February 2017. The search is continuing to recover the unaccounted person, presumed to have drowned.

The identity of the deceased cannot no be released at this stage, since their next of kin are not yet informed about the tragedy.

We urge motorists and the residents to be very cautious when driving and especially avoiding low water bridges and to reduce speed.

Source: South African Police Service